It is very much a goal this year to expand my film watching and that means getting back into the classics I’ve never seen before.
So the 1992 version of Aladdin which is on Disney+ seemed like a perfect place to start. And I honestly thought this would be a simple win. I was definitely going to like this more than the flawed but still enjoyable live-action version from last year.
Turns out I’m very torn so I thought I’d weigh the scales.
The music:
Honestly it’s the same so???
Jasmine gets a number in the new one but the only thing I remember about that was how strangely placed it was like brought a big moment to a halt. I am surprised how much I like Prince Ali in both but they certainly weren’t doing anything different there.
And the big numbers like a Whole New World honestly they both looked equally fine to me. Though maybe if I had seen the animated version when it first came out or even a couple of years ago I would have been even more impressed.
50-50
Aladdin and Jasmine
Well of the two I think Jasmine was most interesting in both versions. Aladdin’s a bit of a whatever character to me and apparently even more so in the animated. And weirdly even though I liked how they enhanced her character in this one (and her clothes) I felt like the animated Jasmine had more fire.
But I guess I would have to say here I give the edge to the live-action version. Also I think they spent more time on them actually getting to know each other.
2019 Version
Jafar
You know how they always say cartoon villain like it’s a bad thing. Not the case in Aladdin. This one was clear cut. I much prefer the animated Jafar than the live-action version I’m not sure that one could have intimidated a mouse.
1992 Version
the Genie
Genie
Eek. I didn’t expect to be torn on this one at all. On the one hand I think Genie looked better animated (perhaps there was really no hope for otherwise) and I preferred Robin Williams performance and the freedom of it.
On the other hand I was surprised the new version felt like it gave him more character and literally made him feel more human. Which I can certainly see why some people wouldn’t like that. I can see the value in both versions.
50-50
So yeah after finally, finally having seen the animated Aladdin I can honestly say… I liked them both equally. I have to put aside some high expectations on the 92 version and plot beat wise they aren’t all that different. I think it may just be personal preference to. In the end I’m a live-action kind of girl anyway.
But who knows? Maybe if I had seen the animated version first it would be an easier call to make.
Recommend: Yes.Â
The original Disney version of Aladdin is my favorite Disney movie of all time. I went into the live action with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. You made some excellent points here! My biggest issue with the live action was the dark humor missing from the incredible tag team of Jafar/Iago in the cartoon.
Even though there is no replacing Robin Williams, I thought Will Smith really made the role different and unique and I was happy with him and I didn’t even mind the romance angle they threw in for his character as well which gave us some needed comedy.
I loved both but my heart always belongs to the original cartoon one! I think I have probably seen it over 100 times!
Awesome post! 🙂
Yeah I think the two movies are so similar my brother’s favorite movie as Aladdin and he wound up liking the live-action as well. It will be interesting to see people’s reactions to Mulan which is looking to be the first very different version of these movies!
I loved Aladdin as a kid. I even dressed up as Princess Jasmine one halloween. The magic carpet ride had little me enthralled. It’s one of my favorite Disney movies. Now, I still haven’t watched the live-action one. I started watching it on Disney+ but only made it so far before I had to go do something and I haven’t sat down to finish it. I will say I agree with you about Jafar. Animated him is frightening and looks evil. Live action, not so much. I did like how it humanized Genie though. I’m talking about those first few minutes in the live-action. I actually haven’t gotten to the part where Aladdin enters the cave of wonders lmao.
Personally I prefer Aladdin
🙂
Love this post! I think I’m as torn as you. I love Will Smith but I was so wary about him playing the Genie. It definitely worked with him doing his own twist on the character.
Animated Jafar over real-life Jafar any day!